Investigation of Head Lice and Intestinal Parasites in Primary and Secondary School in Sivas.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and head lice in primary school-aged children and to determine a possible relationship between the co-occurrence of ecto-endoparasites. Methods: The study were conducted in three schools in the center of Sivas: Sivas Karsiyaka Primary School, Kilavuz IMKB Primary School, and Karsiyaka 27 June Middle School. The presence of head lice and intestinal parasites was investigated in a total of 563 children aged 6 to 17, with 294 girls and 269 boys. Classroom teachers and students were provided with information about intestinal parasites, head lice, and methods of transmission and prevention, and a questionnaire was administered. During the head lice examination, students were inspected with a comb, and samples with nits were examined under a microscope in the laboratory. Cellophane tape and stool samples obtained from the participants were examined on the same day using the native-lugol, flotation, and trichrome staining methods under a light microscope (x10, x40, x100). Results: Five hundred sixty-three children were evaluated for head lice and 15 (2.6%) were found to be positive. During the examination, only nits were found in 11 students (1.9%), and both adult lice and nymphs were seen in 4 students (0.7%). Head lice were found positive in 2 out of 269 boys (0.7%), while 13 out of 294 girls (4.2%) positive (p<0.05). As a result of stool examination in children, Entamoeba coli was found in 11 (1.95%), Giardia intestinalis in 4 (0.71%), Blastocystis sp. in 14 (2.48%), Enterobius vermicularis in 8 (1.42%) and Taenia spp. in 2 (0.35%). Head lice infestation and Taenia spp. were found to coexist in 2 (0.35%) children. Conclusion: In conclusion, although there has been a noticeable decrease in head lice and intestinal parasites among primary school-aged children in Sivas province, these conditions are still present, as evidenced by previous studies conducted in our region.

Investigation of the Precence of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in Patients Who Undergone Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in the samples taken during the procedure from patients who underwent endoscopy and/or colonoscopy with different prediagnoses, and in the stools of the same patients, by ELISA and direct microscopy methods. Methods: A total of 88 patients' endoscopic and colonoscopic pre-washed materials, which consisted of 49 individuals who belong former group and 39 individuals to the next group, were, respectively, obtained, and the stool samples were also included to study from the same group. All the specimens were immediately transferred to the parasitology research laboratory within the same day and stored C until for the next step of ELISA applications. Results: All the samples were examined by direct microscopy and ELISA method. In the examinations performed using the ELISA method; E. histolytica was detected in 2 (2.3%) stool samples, and G. intestinalis was found in 4 (4.5%) stool samples. In the colonoscopic wash/swab samples of the patients who underwent colonoscopy, 6 (6.8%) G. intestinalis, 1 (1.1%) Cryptosporidium spp. detected. No parasites were detected by ELISA in any of the stool samples or endoscopic washing/swab samples of the patients who underwent colonoscopy. No parasites were detected in stool and wash/swab samples by the direct examination method. When the incidence of G. intestinalis in washing/swab samples taken from patients who underwent endoscopy and colonoscopy was statistically compared, the difference was found to be significant (p<0.05). When the incidence of G. intestinalis in the stools of patients who underwent endoscopy was compared, the difference between genders was found to be significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: In patients with gastrointestinal complaints and undergoing endoscopy and colonoscopy, investigation of the presence of parasites by stool examination with direct microscopy may be insufficient. In addition to the direct examination of the stool sample, it is thought that the investigation of parasite antigens in the wash/swab materials that can be easily taken during the endoscopy and colonoscopy procedure is necessary and critical in the diagnosis.

Genotyping by Sequencing of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria Isolates from the Thermal Pool Distributed Throughout Turkey.

PURPOSE: The main goal of this study was genotyping of free-living parasites and sub-grouping of pathogenic or non-pathogenic amebae obtained from Turkey's thermal springs. In so doing, distribution and abundance of possible pathogenic or causative strain for humans, which are caused by Acanthamoeba and Naegleria strains, would be elaborated. The number of extensive studies on the general occurrence and distribution of parasitic strains is very high worldwide, but there has been a paucity of information with regard to Turkey. METHODS: From a total of 434 obtained thermal pool samples, free-living amebas were isolated from 148 water samples using the non-nutrient agar (NNA) culture method. Subsequently, the cultivated samples were used for DNA isolation; then 102 obtained DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification using various primers for samples of genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria. Ultimately, estimation of genotype or subtype was evaluated by sequencing. RESULTS: About 29 samples that belong to Acanthamoeba and Naegleria were estimated from a total of 102 amplified PCR samples. These eukaryotic PCR products which have Acanthamoeba genus appearance, generated 26 subtypes and 3 Naegleria samples. Among the 26 Acanthamoeba genotypes, 22 aligned sequences were matched with various GenBank reference samples, while the 4 divergent genotypes were not elaborated and marked as ND. Most of the Acanthamoeba genera were determined as likely dominating groups and clustered as T form within totally eight groups. Eight, seven and three subtypes were found as T4A, T15 and T11 genotypes, respectively while the remainings were ultimately found in four groups. Results confirming the predominance of T4A, which is known the most causative form, the presence in the pools. Despite being uncommon, N. fowleri, lovaniensis and australiensis were also observed among the surveyed pools. CONCLUSION: The present study is descriptive and is not unique. However, this is the most comprehensive study of the molecular distribution sampling of thermophilic Acanthamoeba and Naegleria that confirmed and demonstrated their ubiquitous presence throughout Turkey. By this estimation, in some spas, the most and likely causative form Acanthamoeba including T4 and Naegleria fowleri has also been confirmed.

Phenolic Acid Composition and Anti-Parasitic Effects of Four Peucedanum Species on Entamoeba histolytica Trophozoites.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine phenolic acid composition and anti-parasitic effects of Peucedanum caucasicum, P. palimbioides, P. longibracteolatum and P. chryseum on Entamoeba histolytica. METHODS: Methanol extracts of the plant species were prepared by soxhlet extraction. Phenolic acid compositions were determined by HPLC. Anti-proliferative effect of extracts on trophozoites was determined by using trypan blue dye exclusion test. For counting the cells, approximately a hundred of E. histolytica trophozoites were examined in each time. The data were presented as mean values with standard deviations and analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA followed by Tukey test for post-hoc pairwise comparisons. The P-value was set at 0.05 for significance level. RESULTS: All of the extracts showed a time and dose dependent amoebicidal action on trophozoites. Among the extracts tested, P. longibracteolatum showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites. As expected, this plant species also exhibited time and dose dependent activity on the trophozoites. At 4.0 mg/ml extract concentration, all of the trophozoites were killed by the extract in 72(nd) hour. Gallic (11.144 mg/g), P-hydroxybenzoic (17.646 mg/g), and o-coumaric acids (14.442 mg/g) were determined as the major phenolic acids of P. longibracteolatum. Gallic and P-hydroxybenzoic acids found in P. longibracteolatum could not be determined in other extracts. Therefore, high activity potential of this plant could probably be attributed to the presence of these phytochemicals. CONCLUSION: P. longibracteolatum can be further evaluated as potential therapeutic drugs for the treatment of Entamoeba infections.

Head lice prevalence and associated factors in two boarding schools in Sivas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of head louse infestations and the factors affecting the rate of infestation in primary school children in Sivas. METHODS: A total of 342 children (249 girls and 93 boys) were examined with a louse comb for the presence of head lice. A questionnaire with 23 questions was distributed among the pupils and their parents. RESULTS: The overall infestation rate for head lice was 10.2% (n=35). The infestation rate was higher in girls (13.7%) than in boys (1.1%) (p < 0.05). Children who had been infested in the past (27.1%) were more likely to be infested than those who had not been infested previously (7.2%) (p < 0.05). The same was true for children whose family members were previously infested and those who were not (30% and 8.5%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Head lice infestation was highest (20%) in children aged 6-11 and lowest (5.3%) in children aged 13-15 (p < 0.05). The frequency of bathing and washing their hair, sharing combs, beds and towels, the hair color, hair thickness and quantity of dandruff, the number of family members and number of rooms per family member, were not significantly different between infested and non-infested children, A significant difference was found in the infestation of long haired (15.1%) compared with short haired pupils (4.5%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Girls were more often infested than boys and children who were previously infested with lice, or came from families where there had been previous infestation, had a greater chance of being re-infested.

In vitro amoebicidal activity of Origanum syriacum and Origanum laevigatum on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites.

In some patients, complete treatment of amoebic keratitis is difficult because of the resistance of cysts to therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of methanolic extracts of Origanum syriacum and Origanum laevigatum. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were decreased. Both extracts showed a time and dose dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Of the extracts tested, O. syriacum showed the stronger amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites and cysts. In the presence of 32 mg/ml extract, no viable trophozoites were observed within third hour. The extract was also found effective against the cysts within 24th hour. In the case of O. laevigatum, no viable trophozoites were observed within 72nd hour at the concentrations of 16 and 32 mg/ml. As expected, cysts were found more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites.

Investigation of Demodex Spp. prevalence among managers and workers of health hazard bearing and sanitary establishment.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Two Demodex species are known to live on people. Demodex folliculorum lives in the openings of hair follicles alone or in groups. D brevis lives in the depths of the sebaceous glands alone. There are different related on the epidemiology of Demodex species have been published. METHOD: In this study, taking into account that the parasite is transmitted through close contact from person to person, we aimed to evaluate the relation between the presence of Demodex spp with gender and age among the Health hazard bearing and sanitary establishment operators and workers who came for porter examination. RESULTS: For this purpose, 862 male and 215 female patients with a total of 1077 volunteers from the face area of the standard superficial skin biopsy (SSSB) method and studied samples were taken. More than five mites in 1 cm(2) density was defined as positive. In investigated samples 37.3% Demodex spp. positivity was detected. Only two were found to be D brevis and the others were D folliculorum. The study revealed statistically significant relationships between the positivity of parasites with the occupational group, age and sex. CONCLUSION: Since the prevalence of Demodex among healthy individuals without any complaint was found to be 37%, we believe Demodex spp should be investigated in porter examinations of people who have dermatological complaints.

In vitro amoebicidal activity of four Peucedanum species on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites.

Amoebic keratitis is difficult to treat without total efficacy in some patients because of cysts, which is less susceptible than trophozoites to the usual treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the methanolic extracts of Peucedanum caucasicum, Peucedanum palimbioides, Peucedanum chryseum, and Peucedanum longibracteolatum, which are endemic in Turkish flora except P. caucasicum. Extracts were evaluated for their amoebicidal activities using an inverted light microscope. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellani trophozoites and cysts were determined during the experimental process (72nd hour). All of the extracts showed a time and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, P. longibracteolatum showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites and cysts. In the case of 32 mg/ml concentration of extract, no viable trophozoites or cysts were determined between 24th and 72nd hour. Similar results were obtained from the extract at 16.0 mg/ml concentration against trophozoites. At this concentration value, number of viable cysts was determined as 10.6 ± 2.1 in the 24th hour. In the presence of 8.0 mg/ml extract solution, no viable trophozoites were determined in the 48th hour. At the same concentration, 51% of the cysts were killed by the extract in the 72nd hour. As expected, cysts were found more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites.

The cytopathic effects of Trichomonas vaginalis on fibroblast cell culture alone and with C. albicans and E. coli.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the cytopathic effects of Trichomonas vaginalis were investigated in L929 mouse fibroblast cell cultures (FCC) under different conditions: only parasite, or coexistence with Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. METHODS: The parasite was isolated from a symptomatic patient and cultured in Cysteine-Peptone-Liver infusion Maltose medium (CPLM). C. albicans strain 10235 and E. coli strain 25922 were used in the experiments. Five groups were created and inoculated on FCC. The groups were as follows; only T. vaginalis, C. albicans, E. coli, T. vaginalis+C. albicans and T. vaginalis+E. coli. The plates were incubated for 24 hours and cell viability was examined under an inverted microscope. Each experiment was repeated 11 times. RESULTS: The fibroblast death rate was 19.1%, 21%, 40.9%, 96.5% and 89.6% in the five groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: All fibroblasts were alive in the control group. T. vaginalis showed almost 100% cytopathic effects on FCC with C. albicans and parasites were very motile in this coexistence.

Screening of the in vitro amoebicidal activities of Pastinaca armenea (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) and Inula oculus-christi (L.) on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the aqueous extracts of Pastinaca armenea and Inula oculus-christi from Turkey. In the presence of aqueous extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were decreased during the experimental process. Both extracts showed a time- and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, I. oculus showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites and cysts. In the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract solution in the media, no viable trophozoites were determined from the time of 24 h. Moreover, in the presence of 16.00 mg/ml I. oculus-christi extract, no viable trophozoites were detected in 72 h of the experiment. Effectiveness of I. oculus-christi extract was found moderate against the cysts. In the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract, only 25.3% of the total cysts were killed effectively. In the case of P. armenea, 40.3% and 23.0% of the trophozoites and cysts were killed in the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract at the end of the experimental process (72 h), respectively.

In vitro amoebicidal activities of Teucrium polium and T. chamaedrys on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts.

Amoebic keratitis is difficult to treat without total efficacy in some patients because of cysts, which are less susceptible than trophozoites to the usual treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium and Teucrium chamaedrys. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellani trophozoites and cysts were decreased during the experimental process. Both extracts showed time- and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, T. chamaedrys showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites. In the presence of 16 mg/ml or above extract concentrations, no viable trophozoites were observed within 48 h. In the case of T. polium, no viable trophozoites were observed within 48 h at 32 mg/ml concentration. As expected, cysts were found more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites.

The prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis and the coexistence of intestinal parasites in young children in boarding schools in Sivas, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis and the coexistence of intestinal parasites in boarding primary schools in Sivas, Turkey. Seven hundred seventy-two students (350 [45.3%] girls, 422 [54.7%] boys) were evaluated with combing for the presence of head lice, collection of fecal samples, and examination of the perianal region for intestinal parasites using the cellophane tape method. The overall infestation rate for head lice was 6% (n=46). Nine children had evidence of nits only (1.2%), whereas living lice and nits or eggs were found in 37 children (4.8%). Girls were significantly more commonly infested (12.9%) than boys (0.2%). Of the parameters evaluated, socioeconomic level, number of rooms per family, and size and weight of the children were statistically significantly different between the children with and without lice. Although the infestation rate of children with intestinal parasites was higher in the head louse-infested group (23.9%) than in the group of children without lice (17.6%), the differences were not statistically significant.

[Incidence in Sivas of Trichomonas vaginalis in patients with vaginitis]. / Sivas'ta vaginit ön tanili hastalarda Trichomonas vaginalis sikligi.

OBJECTIVE: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is a common disease among women and an important public health problem. The present study is performed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis among the 258 women admitted to Sivas State Hospital, Gynecology Department with a variety of symptoms and vaginitis. The ages of patients ranges from 17 to 80 years. METHODS: During the gynecologic examination two samples were taken from the vagina fornix and the first one was placed t in SF (Serum Physiological), the second in Cysteine-Peptone-Liver-Maltose (CPLM). The samples in SF were examined under light microscope immediately. Culture samples were incubated at 37 °C and examined after 24-48 hours. RESULTS: Of all the samples, 5 (1.9%) were positive with DM and 4 were positive with CPLM for the presence of trophozoites. Additionally, the parasite was most common among women whose ages ranged between 41 and 50 (4.8%). CONCLUSION: When compared to other studies from other parts of the country, the prevalence rate was found to be low. Moreover, T. vaginalis infection has to be considered during a gynecological examination.

Determination of chemical profile, antioxidant, DNA damage protection and antiamoebic activities of Teucrium polium and Stachys iberica.

This work deals with the evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, DNA preventing and antiamoebic activities of the water extracts of Teucrium polium and Stachys iberica. In all systems, T. polium extract exhibited excellent activity potential than that of S. iberica. The amount of total phenolics and flavonoids were high in this extract. In the presence of 40 mg/ml T. polium extract, a significant protection was observed for native super coiled DNA of pBR322 plasmid DNA. In the presence of 32 mg/ml of T. polium extract, no trophozoite was after the 24th hour.

Enterobiosis in Sivas, Turkey from past to present, effects on primary school children and potential risk factors.

The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis and potential risk factors was investigated in 2,230 pupils in Sivas between November 2006 and June 2008. A total of ten primary schools in different regions (4 located in City center, 4 in districts and 2 in villages) were classified as Region 1, Region 2 and Region 3, respectively and children completed a questionnaire about the potential risk factors. The overall egg positivity rate for E. vermicularis was 8.2% in Region 1, and the prevalence in the other regions was 7.0% and 14.8%, respectively. Children, aged 10-14 years, didn't show a significantly higher egg positivity rate than younger children (chi(2): 0.10, p > 0.05) and the infection rate for boys was not statistically different than girls (chi(2):0.40, p > 0.05). The socio-economic status of the family and personal hygiene were found to be associated with enterobiosis, (chi(2):30.83, p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was found that there was a statistically important relation between parasite occurrence and school success (chi(2):39.52, p < 0.05).But there is no difference between the parasitic and non-parasitic groups in terms of weight and height (t: 1.75, p > 0.05, t: 1.43, p > 0.05; respectively). The frequency of enterobiosis is obviously decreased in our region when the previous studies are considered.

[Prevalence of cyst hydatic in slaughtered cattle between April and May 2005 in Sivas]. / Sivas'ta Nisan-Mayis 2005 tarihleri arasinda Kesilen Sigirlarda Kist Hidatik Yayginligi.

The present study was performed on 765 cattle obtained from three different slaughterhouses in Sivas, between April and May of 2005. Livers and lungs of those cattle were investigated for hydatid cysts. Out of 765 cattle, 273 (35.7%) were found to be hydatic cyst positive. On the other hand, 66 (8.6%) out of 765 cattle had hydatid cysts in their livers and 103 (13.5%) out of 765 were found to have cysts only in their lungs. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in cystic hydatidosis according to gender and age group (p < 0.05). We compared and discussed our results from the point of human health and the loss of protein because of infected organs.

[The incidence of intestinal parasites in the pediatric health and disease service and effect of these parasites on height, weight, anemia and eosinophile values]. / Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastaliklari Servisinde Yatan Hastalarda Bagirsak Paraziti Görülme Sikligi, Parazitlerin Boy, Kilo, Anemi ve Eozinofil Degerleri Uzerine Etkileri.

The presence of intestinal parasites was investigated in a total of one hundred twenty patients who were hospitalized in the Cumhuriyet University Hospital, Pediatric Service, between 1 March and 1 April 2005. Parasites were found in 8 out of 120 (6.7%) patients. Giardia intestinalis was found in 5 (4.2%) of the patients, Enterobius vermicularis in 2 (1.7%), and Taenia sp. in 1 (0.8%). No significant relationships were detected from the standpoint of height, weight and anemia parameters, when patients with parasites were compared to a non-infected group (P > 0.05), but eosinophile findings were high in the group with parasites, and finally, a significant statistical correlation were detected between parasite-eosinophile values (p < 0.05).

[The frequency of intestinal parasites in primary school children in urban and rural regions]. / Sehir, Ilçe ve Köy Ilkögretim Okulu Ogrencilerinde Bagirsak Parazitleri Görülme Sikligi.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Sivas and to consider the changes in frequency and variety of intestinal parasites in the light of previous studies carried out since 1985. Specimens were examined by direct microscopy and staining. In addition, the relationship of intestinal parasites with physical development, success and socio-economic situation was investigated using surveys. Intestinal parasites were found in 191 (26.2%) of 730 stool specimens, 88 (12.9%) of cellophane tape specimens and parasites were found in both types of specimens obtained from 251 (37.1%) out of 677 students. The most common five parasite species were Giardia intestinalis (13.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.8%), Entamoeba coli (7.4%), Blastocystis hominis (2.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.2%). Intestinal parasites were most frequently detected in the Celtek Village Primary School (50.0%). This school was followed by Imranli YIBO School (45.7%), 60.Yil Primary School (36.3%) and Koyulhisar YIBO (21.3%) School. We found that there was no statistically important relationship between the occurrence of parasites with weight, length and success. It was related to the socioeconomic situation. Furthermore, in this region when the previous studies in similar age groups are considered, a decrease in intestinal parasites frequency and variety was revealed.

Photocatalytic disinfection of Giardia intestinalis and Acanthamoeba castellani cysts in water.

In this study, disinfection of water containing Giardia intestinalis and Acanthamoeba castellani cysts with TiO2 and modified catalyst silver loaded TiO2 (Ag-TiO2) was investigated. Destruction of the parasites was evaluated after UV illumination of the suspension consisting 5 x 10(8)-13.5 x 10(8)cysts/mL in the presence of 2g/L neat or modified TiO2 at neutral pH. In the initial stage, the solid photocatalyst particles penetrated the cyst wall and then oxidant species produced by TiO2/UV destroyed both cell wall and intracellular structure. In the case of G. intestinalis inactivation (disinfection) performance of TiO2/UV system reached 52.5% only after 25 min illumination and total parasite disinfection was achieved after 30 min illumination. However, silver loaded TiO2 seemed to be more effective as this loading provided better catalytic action as well as additional antimicrobial properties. Cell viability tests showed that parasite cysts, their walls in particular, were irreversibly damaged and cysts did not re-grow. Nevertheless the studied system seemed to be ineffective for the inactivation of A. castellani. Inactivation percentages of TiO2/UV and Ag-TiO2/UV systems were far lower than that of UV alone, being 50.1% and 46.1%, respectively.